Submitted By Adrienne De Ponte Photos By Courtesy of Hayward Recreation

The Father's Day Camp Out is an opportunity for families to have an overnight camping experience that is hassle-free and nature oriented.

We take an evening hike, play games, go fishing, roast marshmallows, learn about the area that surrounds us and enjoy food prepared by the naturalist staff. The camp out is for any adult accompanied by a child (Adults cannot sign up alone!).

Mom's are welcome! We've had single mother's come with their children and grandparents as well. The program is open to anyone who would like to experience a windy night along the Hayward shoreline.

Our group camps at a private beach literally right up against the Bay (Some have gotten a little water in their tents!). The camp out is not recommended for children under 3 years old because of the windy conditions along the Bay.

Why a camp out? In 2002, a naturalist by the name of Catherine Ryan came to me and said, does anyone ever camp along the shoreline? We'd had one very successful overnight program in the past, so why not have an overnighter?!

These days, families are fighting with technology, cell phones, X box, mySpace, and TV. This experience is fully unplugged and requires interacting with your family, the other families present and the environment. Each participant will receive a DVD of their experience after the camp out and at least a few have been coming for years.

Contact Adrienne De Ponte at depa@haywardrec.org or (510) 670-7270. Reservations are required, $75 per parent and child, $10 for each additional person. Go to http://www.haywardrec.org/registration.html to register. All you need to bring are sleeping bags and your family.